Propulsion

About: Propulsion is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 24977 publications have been published within this topic receiving 200311 citations.

5 MW High Temperature Superconductor Ship Propulsion Motor Design and Test Results

Abstract: American Superconductor has designed, built, tested and delivered to the U.S. Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR) a 5MW, 230-RPM, 6-pole high temperature superconductor (HTS) ship propulsion motor. The motor uses an air core armature winding and first generation HTS wire (BSCCO-2223) field winding. The goal of the motor development project was to validate the technologies required to design and build larger HTS ship propulsion motors, as well as to develop a motor production process that streamlines development time and minimizes cost. A commercial variable frequency drive is used to power the motor. The HTS field winding is cooled with G-M coolers with gaseous helium as the cooling medium in a closed cycle. The armature is cooled by MideP. The motor was delivered to the U.S. Navy in July 2003 and met or exceeded requirements in operation (up to the facility's testing limit of 2.5MW). The motor demonstrated both full torque and full speed operation in separate tests.

Synthetic Jet Propulsion for Small Underwater Vehicles

Abstract: This paper proposes a new synthetic jet actuation concept for small, low speed, highly maneuverable AUVs. Synthetic jet thrusters, which produce jets of vortex rings, are inspired by the pulsatile jet propulsion of salps, jellyfish, and squid. To assess the potential utility of this scheme, we developed synthetic jet actuator prototypes, and verified their function via both force measurement and flow visualization experiments. We used a genetic-algorithm based technique for optimizing the actuation profile of the thrusters. Also presented is an initial discussion of vehicle design. Our conclusion is that synthetic jet thrusters are a viable propulsion method for small underwater vehicles.

Methods and apparatus for a distributed airborne wireless communications fleet

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatus for providing distributed airborne wireless communications are provided herein. In some embodiments, a communication fleet includes: an airborne communication payload subdivided into multiple payload sections; and a plurality of airborne platforms each including a payload section, wherein each airborne platform comprises an airframe, a propulsion system, a power system, and flight control electronics, wherein the propulsion system is configured to provide propulsion power and thrust to maintain level flight, ascend, descend and maneuver the airborne platform, wherein the power system provides electrical power to the propulsion system, the flight control electronics, and the payload section, and wherein the flight control electronics provide capability to control a position, speed, and flight pattern of the airborne platform.

Recuperated gas turbine aeroengines, part II: engine design studies following early development testing

Abstract: Purpose – To advance the design of heat exchanged gas turbine propulsion aeroengines utilising experience gained from early development testing, and based on technologies prevailing in the 1970‐2000 time frame.Design/methodology/approach – With emphasis on recuperated helicopter turboshaft engines, particularly in the 1,000 hp (746 kW) class, detailed performance analyses, parametric trade‐off studies, and overall power plant layouts, based on state‐of‐the‐art turbomachinery component efficiencies and high‐temperature heat exchanger technologies, were undertaken for several engine configuration concepts.Findings – Using optimised cycle parameters, and the selection of a light weight tubular heat exchanger concept, an attractive engine architecture was established in which the recuperator was fully integrated with the engine structure. This resulted in a reduced overall engine weight and lower specific fuel consumption, and represented a significant advancement in technology from the modified simple‐cycle ...